junior leadership program

Our Junior Leadership Program provides teens the unique experience to work in a fun, fast paced environment with scientists and educators while gaining real world experience in the areas of education and the sciences. Participants have the opportunity to gain new skills, build friendships, work hands-on with elementary-aged students, as well as plan and lead their own activities and lessons with our campers or other children that visit our center throughout the year. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 9, 2025

PROGRAM BASICS

Skills participants gain through our program include: 

-Leadership                               -Teamwork and collaboration

-Responsibility                          -Creativity

-Public speaking                       -Classroom management 

-Problem solving                      -Time management                     

-Knowledge in various areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)

Participants are also asked to complete a leadership project that involves designing and implementing a science based activity for our campers with the help of our staff.

Opportunities:

• Leader in Training (LIT) - rising 8th-11th grade (unpaid)
• Teen Staff- rising 10th-12th grade (paid-must complete LIT program first)
• Junior Staff - Rising college freshman or college student 

Scheduling:

Schedules for the school year sent out on the first of each month for the upcoming month.  During summer camp, Junior Leaders receive a schedule for the entire summer before camp starts. If time needed off, it must be requested at least two weeks in advance. Attending 85% of the summer camp session is required. School year participants must attempt to find another Junior Leader to cover their shift.

Summer sessions:

Morning check in: Sign in with Ms. Ashley on time at 8:15 am each day of camp and receive assignments and schedule for the day.

Drop off: Campers start arriving at 8:30. Participants are expected to engage with campers during drop of time, including helping campers pick out cubbies to put away their things, and helping make lab notebooks on the first day. In addition, they lead games and activities and help prep supplies for the activities of the day. 

Activities 1-4: Junior Leaders are expected to help assist with classroom management, the distribution of supplies and clean up of activities throughout the day. Each have assigned times to help with administrative tasks as needed.

Lunch/Break time: Program participants will have a 30 minute lunch break each day while the campers are eating from 12:30-1 pm. This is the only time use of personal phones is allowed during the day. 

Weekly Meeting (Friday after camp is over): This meeting is to discuss highs and lows of the week, determine individual and group goals for the upcoming week, and participate in leadership or team building activity with peers. 

Pickup: The last activity of the day for the campers ends at 4:00 and camper pickup is between 4:00-4:30. During this time, program members assist the staff with cleaning and prepping supplies for the next day and engaging campers as they wait to be picked up. The program concludes for the day at 4:30 and Junior Leaders sign out with closing staff.

Application:

If interested, please fill out the info form AND the application below. Please indicate which session(s) you are applying for:

• Summer session 1: May 23rd- June 27th ( No camp May 26)
• Summer session 2: June 30th- August 1st (No camp July 4th)
• Both summer sessions: May 23th- August 1st (No camp May 26, July 4th)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 9, 2025